Friday, November 21, 2014

39 UHeart Organizing: Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby & Mom

I love that my contributors are filling my blog with baby content, because I am eight years out of diapers (I mean out of purchasing them, not wearing them to set the record straight) and I know I have a lot of expecting and new parents that check in.  Serena sent me this post a few weeks ago, and has since welcomed a beautiful baby girl.  I couldn't be more thrilled for her and her growing family, you can see her most recent baby update on her blog here.

Today, Serena is sharing with us a fantastically thought-out hospital bag checklist.  Boy do I wish I would have had this list when I gave birth.  So good and totally spot on!



With my first bub due any minute, the last few weeks I’ve been madly rushing around trying to get as much organized as possible before the baby comes.
Some of my errands have been practical (baby first aid course), and some ummmmm not so practical (tracking down perfectly pink baby moccasins – they sure are cute though!)

The one task I have made sure was completed was my hospital bag.

To me the hospital bag is so much more than the basics. It’s about everything you need plus a few little luxuries to help you along as you navigate the waters of the first few days of parenthood.

So without further adieu, here are my fave picks for the ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist…



FOR YOU

  • Dressing Gown (Pictured: Pretty Plum Sugar Maternity Robe) – The perfect lightweight cover up for early labor and later on when you’re in the maternity ward.
  • Slippers and Socks (Pictured: Peter Alexander Slippers) – Is it just me or do your feet get FREEZING in hospital? Have some bedtime socks and daytime slippers will keep your tootsies warm.
  • Flip flops – Great for getting around and can be also worn in the shower if you like.
  • PJs
  • Comfortable clothes for around the hospital (Pictured: Country Road Tee) - Our hospital recommends new mums ditch the PJs as soon as they can to feel more themselves again.
  • Nursing Bras (Pictured: Chloe & Lola Nursing Bras) – Or comfortable support wear depending on your nursing plans.
  • Comfy Underwear – The best advice I’ve received is to bring a bunch of Bridget Jones style granny panties for the days after labor. Don’t worry Hugh Grant probably won’t be visiting (and if he is – lucky you!)
  • Pillow – To ensure when you’re getting a chance to sleep, you sleep well on your own familiar pillow. I’ve also been told the tip of making sure the pillow case is not white so it’s doesn’t get mistaken for a hospital one.
  • Magazines – Apparently TV has taught us nothing and the birth process isn’t over and done with in minutes. Having something to read during down time before and after birth comes in handy.
  • Recovery Shorts or Belly Bands (Pictured: SRC Recovery Shorts) – If you’re planning on using these during your recovery it’s recommended you have them on hand so you can start using them as soon as your midwife allows.
  • Going Home Outfit – Keeping in mind you’ll still look 6 months pregnant when leaving, I opted for something comfy that still felt ‘pretty’. Ya know just in case the paparazzi were waiting for me just like they did with Kim Kardashian. A girl’s gotta be prepared!


  • Basic Toiletries including Toothbrush, toothpaste, face cleanser, moisturizer, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, body wash and lotion (Pictured: Milk & Co Body Scrub & Lotion) – I found the easiest way to be prepared was to have new items (i.e. toothbrush) or travel containers (i.e. for face cleanser) so the bag was ready to go as is and nothing has to be taken from my bathroom when the time came.
  • Lip Balm (Pictured: Kiehls Lip Balm #1)– As someone who has spent some time in hospital, you need to keep those lips moisturized 24/7 unless you want cracked dragon lips! I would even err on the side of taking two in case you lose one.
  • Hairbrush/Hairbands/Hairdryer/Dry Shampoo – Depending on your needs you can take some or all of these. As someone who resembles a cavewoman with just a slightest bit of moisture; having some dry shampoo and a hair band for a simple ponytail in those post-birth days will make everything easier.
  • Tissues
  • Stretch Mark Cream (Pictured: Palmers Stretch Mark Cream)– Beauty experts recommend you keep slathering on this stuff for 12 weeks post birth. Plus the brand I use smells like waffles, so I may even go longer than that…
  • Maternity Pads (Pictured: Tom Organic Maternity Pads)
  • Nursing Pads (Pictured: Pigeon Nursing Pads)
  • Make-up – As much or as little as you want. For some, it is neither here nor there, for others it’s a nice pick me up to feel fresh for photos.



FOR BABY

  • Going Home Outfit - Onesie/Hat/Socks (Pictured: Cotton On Baby Onesie // Seed Farm Animal Socks) – Most hospitals provide clothes for your new bub for the duration of their stay. So all you need is their fancy outfit for their societal debut. Which they will probably vomit all over before anyone sees them.
  • Swaddle Wraps – Again the hospital will probably provide these, but if you have a brand you want to get used to, you can always bring your own.
  • Baby Blanket (Pictured: Pottery Barn Kids Blanket)
  • Nursing Pillow (Pictured: Milkbar Nursing Pillow) – If you have a particular pillow you’d like to use, best to use it from the start.
  • Car Seat – Make sure that it has been fitted professionally, so your first trip home with baby is a safe one.
  • Nappies/Wipes – These are usually provided by the hospital, but again if you want to get used to a certain type, you can bring your own.

FOR YOUR PARTNER

  • Birth Plan – If you have one.
  • All IDs, Insurance Papers & Important Documents
  • Spare Pens – To fill in the multitude of forms thrown your way.
  • Massage Oil/Heat Pack for labor.
  • Swimming shorts – In case they decide to go to the beach while you’re in labor. Actually no – it’s in case they join you in the bath and/or birth pool during the labor. Good luck to them if they actually take off to the beach.
  • Snacks/Drinks – Depending on your hospital and situation you may not be allowed to eat during labor, but just in case it’s nice to know your favorites are on hand.
  • Camera and charger – This is one time you don’t want the battery to be dead!
  • Mobile phone/s and charger – Our hospital recommended making sure all your important and emergency numbers were saved into your favorites. If you’re using your phone for music, have your favorite tunes preloaded in too.
  • Optional Extra: A list of all the foods you want to eat once that baby’s out! Sushi and champagne anyone? Ha ha!

What’s the #1 item you packed in your hospital bag that you would recommend to everyone? What didn’t you use?


"I am Serena Faber Nelson, a television producer, writer and fluffy dog owner. Obsessed with home décor, fashion, lifestyle and dogs – I set about creating Pretty Fluffy as a go-to guide for the modern pet owner. Featuring a range of stylish products, celebrity pooches, DIY projects and handy hints, Pretty Fluffy is a daily stop for smiles and inspiration, giving readers the tools they need to enjoy full and happy lives with their furry friends. My greatest loves include fresh peonies, Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Baby in a corner), Banoffe Pie, spending waaay too much time on Pinterest, and hugging random dogs at the park. I currently live in Sydney, Australia with my husband, Andy, and my 11 year old Border Collie, Soda. As a long time fan, I am super excited to be joining the IHeart Organizing Team!"

39 comments:

  1. If you are planning on nursing. Plan on wearing a nursing friendly outfit to come home from hospital. I choose a dress that zipped up the back. (UGH!) I had to basically undress in the car to feed my baby in a parking lot. With the second child I wore a button up the front blouse.

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  2. Congratulations on your baby's birth Serena! What an exciting time in your life!

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    1. Thank you so much Erin - we're over the moon xx

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  3. My friend is having a baby in a few weeks. What a great idea! Thanks!

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  4. I'm 10 weeks away from having my 4rth and I'm already thinking of what I'm going to pack...
    a few things from someone kind of "seasoned"
    lansinol - there's plenty of other products out there like this (those first days nursing can be a little tender)
    someone got me this at my baby shower for my first:
    http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Mama-Angel-Baby-Bottom/dp/B002XHFD78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416596169&sr=8-1&keywords=new+mama+bottom+spray
    not the kind of thing I would have picked up but boy is it great! Things get a little tender for a while and this is a great product.
    some favorite dvd's for the few days in the hospital after, your brain isn't a little wiped out and it's nice to just watch movies on the laptop while nursing the new babe (I'm planning on watching the whole lord of the rings series (total dork i know))
    some kind of treat for yourself is always nice- it helps you feel kind of like yourself again after your body has been through a lot... maybe your favorite fancy lotion, a bar of dark chocolate, a pair of earrings for the photos.

    Congrats!

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    1. Great advice! The treat for yourself is a good one especially - just a nice way to feel like your old self again. Best of luck with your 4th! x

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  5. Great tips! A few more items I would add (from my delivery experiences):
    1. Notepad + pencil
    2. Cell phone + charging cord (find out if cell phones are permitted)
    3. Personal water bottle (I didn't care for the hospital's giant one)
    4. Baby wipes (nice to feel refreshed mid-labor)
    5. Hair clip or tie to keep your hair out of your face in labor

    If you're going to be there more than one night (c-section, pre-term labor, etc.):
    6. Your own pillow from home (it's the little things, right?)
    7. A good book (or two!)
    8. Deck of cards, knitting, etc. to pass the time
    9. Change of clothes for you and baby
    10. All of the above for your spouse/companion

    Congratulations on your new baby! :)

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  6. Great list! I would also recommend bringing along your little one's baby book, (if you have purchased one prior to his/her birth). I brought my son's book along and the nurses were able to "ink" his footprints right into the baby book as a keepsake. Additionally, I would bring along your own Tumbler glass w/ straw so you don't have to keep drinking out of the hospital's Styrofoam cups. :)

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  7. Where is the bag from, it's absolutely Devine!

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    1. Thanks Alexandra - it's from Peter Alexander. It's from a few seasons ago so not sure if it's still available but they sometimes repeat designs: http://www.peteralexander.com.au/shop/en/peteralexander

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  8. I would agree that you need change of clothes for your spouse, too. My husband usually stays with me the whole time so he showers and changes at the hospital as well. Additionally, stool softeners to make, uh, that process nicer for post-birth.

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  9. Congrats and good luck. Love the list. Just wondering where you got your cute pink overnight bag from?

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    1. Thank you so much! The bag is from Peter Alexander. It's from a few seasons ago so not sure if it's still available but they sometimes repeat designs: http://www.peteralexander.com.au/shop/en/peteralexander

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  10. How pretty! I seriously wish I would have thought of this when we went to have our little guy...I had some random scraggly things! LOL You kinda need pretty things like this to make you feel nicer after giving birth!

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    1. Isn't it funny how the little things can help? I felt so much nicer just having a nice robe when I was feeling a little worse for wear in the days following. x

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  11. I would recommend only taking the absolute minimum that you will need for your stay. I usually stay at the hospital about 3 hours so I really don't need much. A comfy homemade gown for labour (think longer, warmer, cute in pictures), chapstick, warm socks, Tena disposable underwear and a camera are my must haves.

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    1. Chapstick and warm socks for the win for sure x

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    2. I disagree. I got induced and ended up spending 5 days in the hospital. Packed a carry on full of our stuff, so I was glad to have everything we needed.

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  12. Gotta know where that bag is from!!

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    1. Hi Heather - it's from Peter Alexander. It's from a few seasons ago so not sure if it's still available but they sometimes repeat designs: http://www.peteralexander.com.au/shop/en/peteralexander

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  13. Looks great! I usually take my journal along as well so I can write my impressions of the whole experience while it's super fresh. I personally wouldn't bother taking the baby toys along. Really, you won't use them at all.

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    1. A journal is a brilliant idea Sarah - love it.

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  14. Another tip: Be prepared for possibly going home with swollen feet. With my son I was fine, but with my daughter my feet were so swollen when I left that I had to go home in hospital booties.

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  15. Serena, all the best for you and your little family!

    one more thing:
    It is not called "So without further adieu" but "without further ado" "http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/with_no_further_ado"
    Adieu = french form of Goodbye
    http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/adieu

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  16. It's crazy, I had both my babies at home, and neither is a baby any more, but there's something about pictures of babygrows and hospital bags that makes me go awww! I never even had to have one myself, I just had some towels in a box, not very glam :-)

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  17. Although I birth at home, as a mom of 8, I would highly recommend BLACK underwear and yoga pants for the early postpartum days. No matter what kind of beefy, postpartum pads, you are wearing you are likely to get a leak or two and black undies/yoga pants are a cinch to keep looking good. :)

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  18. I thought I really wanted my hubby to smuggle in wine for me, but I was so exhausted after the birth of my son. The only thing I wanted was pizza (I hadn't eaten for over 20 hours) and sleep. And of course, gazing at my beautiful baby!

    One thing my ND hospital provided or all new parents was a fancy dinner the day after the birth. We had filet mignon, shrimp, chocolate cake, and bubbly juice. It was catered in and amazing. Very thoughtful! They wheeled it in on a white linen cart. I think all hospitals should do that! I didn't want to leave!

    GREAT listing!

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  19. I'm sure not everyone's cup of tea, but I always wore depends after each of my babies (4). I still wore a pad too, but if I had leakage, which I always did, I could just throw them out. Definitely not a sexy look :) but worked great for me.

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  20. I'm due in a week and this is such a better list than the one that the hospital gave me! I love the photos!!! Thank You :)

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  21. Iam wondering about another member of your team 7th house on the left cant find any new posts

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    1. Hello! Ashley has been focusing on growing her business outside of the blog, but she is doing great! I still love having her stop by here to share what she is organizing around the house! <3

      xo!

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  22. Cupcakes.

    We had a RCS last week, so I made cupcakes the day before. Our older daughter sung, "Happy Birthday" to her little sister which she loved!

    The cupcakes made for a great snack in the early morning hours, and many nurses commented on them sweetly.

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